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New Ministry Development

Recent trends have pointed to the need for renewed expressions of what it means to be a church that lives out God’s mission in the world. In this spirit, the United Church is actively supporting two types of new ministry development.

Innovative faith formation initiatives: We are seeking to equip and support leaders who are willing to learn by taking risks, experimenting, and finding new ways to connect with those outside the church. For example, relationship-building service programs can be entry points to an experience of faith community; and the Fresh Expressions movement in the UK is exploring ways to listen to, serve, and form a community with people who have remained outside the traditional church community.

New traditional church plants: Especially in new-immigrant communities, traditional culturally appropriate forms of church continue to have a central place. These churches gather for worship, and combine it with community building and cultural celebration. We are seeking to equip and support immigrant leaders who would serve as bridge builders to facilitate the growth and development of vital new immigrant faith communities.

Together, these two approaches represent a “mixed economy” of new ministries—ministries that will be renewed, relevant, and re-engaging.

We currently support over 25 initiatives across Canada and are connecting leaders who are learning how to start and implement new ministries.

Do you feel called to explore re-energized expressions of church, with the hope of a new tomorrow? We’d love to discuss how we can support you and what grants may be available.

Are you looking to apply for a grant from the New Ministries Fund? Download the application form today. Please note that a consultation will need to take place with one of the New Ministry Animators before applications will be submitted. Annual deadlines for grant applications are April 15 and October 15.

For more information, please contact Christine Jerrett for rural ministries, and Lauren Hodgson for urban and suburban ministries. A voicemail line is available to contact Christine and Lauren at 1-800-268-3781 x 4076

Reweaving theconnectional fabricthat makes us United.

Embracing the Spirit is a new learning network and innovation fund. It aims to spur innovation, pilot new programs, support successful initiatives, create a learning network for faith communities, and support both new and renewing faith communities across the United Church of Canada.